Page:Four interesting tales.pdf/21

21 But nothing, for an instant, appeased the rage of the dog, who finding his paws unable to force a passage into the closet, put his teeth to a small aperture at the bottom, and attempted to gnaw away the obstruction. There could be no longer a doubt that the cause of the mischief, or danger, whatsoever it might be, lay in that closet. Yet there appeared some risk in opening it; more particularly when, on trying to force the lock, it was found to be secured by some fastening on the inside. A knocking was now heard at the chamber door, through the key-hole of which, a voice exclaimed—“For God’s sake, my lord, let me in.” His lordship, knowing this to proceed from his servant, advanced armed, and admitted him. “All seems quiet my lord, below stairs and above,” said the man, “for I have never closed my eyes. For heaven’s sake! what can be the matter with the dog, to occasion such a dismal barking?” “That I am resolved to know,” answered his lordship, furiously pushing the closet door. No sooner was it burst open, than the dog, with inconceivable rapidity, rushed in, and was followed both by the master and man. The candle had gone out in the bustle, and the extreme darkness of the night prevented them from seeing any object whatever. But a hustling sort of noise was heard at the farther end of the closet. His lordship then fired one of his pistols at random, by way of alarm. A piercing cry, ending in a loud groan, immediately came from the dog.—“Great God!” exclaimed his lordship, “I have surely destroyed my defender.” He ran out for a light, and snatched a candle from the innholder, who camocame [sic] in apparent consternation, as to enquire into the alarm of the family. Others of the house now entered the room ; but without paying attention to their questions, his lordship ran towards the closet to look for his dog. “ThoThe [sic] door is open!—the door